PIA Press Release2006/10/30

Kalinga villagers train on goat raising

TABUK, Kalinga (30 October) -- Villagers of Nambucayan this town were taught on how to raise goat as a means to generate family income.

A joint team of veterinarians from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and personnel of the 21st Infantry Battalion converged recently at this highland barangay to introduce said livelihood for families who are mostly farmers and meager income earners.

According LTC Francis Lardizabal, Commanding Officer of the 21st IB, insurgency thrives from a hungry stomach and the program was initiated to help the people of Nambucayan alleviate their economic life. He said barangay Nambucayan is one of the highways of the communist terrorists from Upper Kalinga towards Lower Kalinga.

To serve as deterrents from enemy recruitment, Lardizabal said some members of this barangay are performing duties as CAFGU. The military saw the need to help further the people strengthen their security by providing them alternative jobs while keeping watch on their surroundings.

Lardizabal and Dr. Valentin Pay-ong of PVO earlier met with the constituents of said barangay to discuss on what industry is viable in the area.

During the training Dr. Pay-ong discussed the proper management/ production of goat raising, the different animal diseases and how these could be prevented like application of natural or generic medicines. He also discussed the livelihood project loan under the Livelihood Enhancement Agricultural Development (LEAD) program of the Department of Agriculture.

On the other hand, LTC Lardizabal explained to the participants the market potential of meat and milk production and strategies on how to commercialize goat raising into a sustainable business in the future.

After the lecture, a film showing was conducted to enlighten the residents on how the CTs sabotage the economy, and how these are affecting them.

Other services provided during the activity were hand circumcision and free haircut to the children. (PIA-Kalinga) [top]